Fight for Labour heartlands only just beginning as party slams Tory's 'savage attack' on working people

Speaking in the wake of the Conservative manifesto launch in the Labour-held seat of Halifax, Mr McDonnell brushed-off suggestions that his party could see significant losses in strongholds like Yorkshire.

He instead argued that the publication of the Tory's plans to slash pensioner benefits and increase the state pension age will show voters that Theresa May has no interest in protecting the living standards of "ordinary working people".

He also slammed the Conservative's failure to release detailed costings for its manifesto, as he warned the public not to offer Mrs May a "blank cheque".

The Shadow Chancellor's comments to the Yorkshire Post followed an interview with the BBC in which he dismissed a prediction by the Unite leader Len McCluskey that Labour could see its numbers dwindle to 200 on June 8.

Thursday's Tory manifesto launch in Halifax was widely interpreted as a sign of the party's confidence in making gains in the region, while the policies it contained have been described as a shameless pitch for the centre-ground.

The latest regional polls from YouGov show Labour is now trailing behind the Tories in Yorkshire, as well as losing ground in its other heartlands in the North East and North West.

But asked whether he was concerned this would translate to big losses in these regions next month, he said he believed the tide was “turning” in Labou'r favour.

“I think the more we have the policy debate, the more people will see what the Tories are all about,” he said.

“The more they see what's happening in terms of living standards, the burden that's placed on ordinary working families... Things like winter fuel allowance, and the attack on pensioners. The triple lock.”

“I think the more the Tories are exposed in that way...the more people will realise they are actually a threat.

“And that's why I'm confident we will have a Labour government.”

He went on to defend his party's support for universal winter fuel allowance, arguing that switching to a means-tested system risks discouraging those who qualify for the benefit from claiming.

And he lambasted Theresa May and Philip Hammond for failing to publish full details of spending and revenue-raising plans alongside their manifesto, after they accused Labour's plans of “not adding up”.

“I think its outrageous that here we have the Labour party, coming forward with a costed programme in detail... and yet there's nothing in terms of [Tory] costing. 60 promises and pledges uncosted," he said.

“I think we've set a new standard for political parties to follow and I expect the Conservative to do that.”

Responding to Mr McDonnell's speech, a Conservative spokesman said: “Our long-term plan for elderly care will make the system fairer, better funded and more sustainable – helping to ensure elderly people receive the dignified and high quality care they deserve.

“Jeremy Corbyn can’t deliver anything and isn’t being honest with people. His numbers don’t add up and the only way to pay for his ideas is massive tax hikes on working people.”